Spiva retired at 45 from her position as senior vice president of sales for the southeast division of the investment group Charles Schwab and said financial education programs can be empowering.

CNN: Heading to church for money advice

Mr. Walsh at the New Jersey Division of Investment said he expects better because the financial climate is calmer today, adding "if we don't get the expected prices and terms, " the pension fund won't sell.

WSJ: New Jersey Fund Move Could Clarify Prices

The institutional division of Warren Financial Service, WFS Funds, provides alternative investment strategies for high net-worth investors, foundations, endowments, and family offices.

FORBES: I write about financial markets and the world of investing

The sales effort is a way to reduce exposure to some of the high-risk, high-return property funds that got scuffed up during the financial crisis, said Timothy Walsh, director of the New Jersey Division of Investment, which manages the state's pension money.

WSJ: New Jersey Fund Move Could Clarify Prices